Friday, February 29, 2008

Our day started out with school and then off we went to the Springs for Boo's ortho appointment. We love her new doctor. He says she'll be out of her braces in 6 mths. Not bad considering our 4 month delay..... Then we went to our local Walmart. We bought some groceries, trash can, light bulbs, and dog food. This Walmart is sooo nice! After dropping Becca off at soccer I ran to our local library to pick up some books. Boo is on book 10 of the Kristy Miller series. She is eating the books up! Then back home again. So some things never change... living in my 'Burb! Oh, but the day ends with yet another child coughing, aching, and fever! When will this virus end? So much for a soccer scrimmage tomorrow.

I have been looking for information on the presidential candidates. Here is what I found on Fox News. Each link takes you to the candidate. It will tell you their history and where they stand on the "big" issues that concern many Americans.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

It started off with Gabe home sick on Friday with the flu. He is still down in the basement(banished from the rest of us!) with fever. 3 days so far.... No picture of the sicky!

Becca had a soccer scrimmage at school on Saturday for 3 hours. There are close to 80 girls trying for 4 teams. It is the last event before final teams are chosen. It's great to see the girls play and check out the back drop!

The girls made a cake, well two cakes. Cake one (the picture) was awful! Lina did a great job decorating though. Cake two, we ate. Mmmmm

Lina and Boo flew the kite yesterday. It was a great day to do so. So when I lived in Soledad it was windy. I swore I would not do that again...WRONG! It's windy here too. The difference is it correlates with a storm so it's tolerable. This morning it was so windy the church shook. Goodness, merciful heavens! So if you see me in pony tails in pictures you know why.

We visited a local church again this morning. We like it. Lina loved Sunday School. She has been so brave and gone to SOO many Sunday School programs to give them the ol' one, two. Not sure if we'll land there yet. We want to go to a couple more.

T and I snuck in a little time together in front of the tube. And lastly we are grilling out steak tonight.

Sometimes I still feel like I'm dreaming. We talked for so long about leaving California and prayed for God's best. It has been difficult without our core of family and friends but I love it here. I am waiting for more. Anticipating it.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

I saw this today on Yahoo Foods. There is so much yucky going around I thought I'd share a little "Natural" ways to fight it according to this author.

Foods That Fight Colds

Whether you're walking around with a box of tissues or curled up in bed with aches and the shivers, what you feed your cold or flu can speed your recovery. Here's how to maximize your body's virus-busting powers.

1. TRUST YOUR BODY If you instinctively sip cup after cup of tea with honey and lemon when you're under the weather, your body knows exactly what it's doing. While any hot liquid will help loosen clogged nasal passages and sooth sore throats, hot tea also doses you with virus-fighting, inflammation-relieving antioxidants. (In fact, people who drank five cups of black tea a day for two weeks produced 10 times more interferon--proteins that fight viruses--than those who drank instant coffee. For tea lovers, five cups is about three mugs full--not that much.)As for the honey (the darker, the better), it's also thick with protective antioxidants. And a big squeeze of lemon in every mugful adds a little extra vitamin C to your virus-fighting kit, plus the tartness stimulates saliva, which makes swallowing easier.

2. TRUST YOUR GRANDMA Cold researchers keep trying to figure out why chicken soup does a sick body good. One finding: cysteine, an amino acid that's released by cooked chicken. It's chemically similar to a bronchitis drug, acetylcysteine, and it works with other soup ingredients to reduce inflammation. Salty broth also helps thin mucus. Chicken soup helps even more if you rev it up with spices: garlic, which has a well-earned reputation for squelching infection, and hot red pepper, which contains capsaicin, a powerful decongestant that intensifies the soup's sinus-clearing effects. Try this tried-and-true recipe.

Top your oatmeal or yogurt with strawberries, nuts, and seeds. You'll get a vitamin C boost from the berries and immunity-enhancement from the vitamin E, zinc, and selenium in the nuts and seeds. Extra selenium may be extra important if you have the flu since it seems to ward off lung inflammation.

Alternatively, stir lots of cinnamon into oatmeal or yogurt--it smells and tastes wonderful, and can help reduce fever, relieve pain, and kill germs. If nausea is adding to your misery, add a little ginger too, fresh or powdered. It's a proven tummy tamer and may take antibacterial action against any bad bugs in your respiratory tract.

Once your cold or flu is over (whew), try keeping up some of these habits, especially drinking plenty of antioxidant-packed tea. Not only could it help prevent another bout but getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

No longer do we have to sit on kitchen chairs. We had our family room couches and chair delivered today! They are made of a nice dark microfiber that looks western. I am STILL trying to create a family room cabinish feel. Next up...a rug.

1. Friday night we unpacked.... still2. Saturday: We put down the invisible fence for Charley, unpacked, visited with new neighbors, unpacked.3. Sunday: Went to church at Tri-lakes Chapel, went and got our puppy (yah!),unpacked, went on a date with my sweet husband, ate dessert.4. Monday: Went and bought furniture for the empty family room and basement, unpacked, made dinner, and enjoyed Joanna and Kadence's company.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Below is Dr Phil's test. (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she got a 38.) And for Ms Tuna Jones... 45

Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out!

Read on, this is very interesting! Do not be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes.

Don't peek, but begin the test as you scroll down and answer.

Answers are for who you are now... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.It's only 10 Simple questions, so... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers to each question.

Ready?? Begin...

1. When do you feel your best? a) in the morning b) during the afternoon &and early evening c) late at night

2. You usually walk... a) fairly fast, with long steps b) fairly fast, with little steps c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face d) less fast, head down e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you... a) stand with your arms folded b) have your hands clasped c) have one or both your hands on your hips d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking e) play with your ear, ! touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side b) your legs crossed c) your legs stretched out or straight d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...a) big appreciated laugh b) a laugh, but not a loud one c) a quiet chuckle d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted...a) welcome the break b) feel extremely irritated c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most? a) Red or orange b) black c) yellow or light blue d) green e) dark blue or purple f) white g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are... a) stretched out on your back b) stretched out face down on your stomach c) on your side, slightly curled d) with your head on one arm e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...a) falling b) fighting or struggling c) searching for something or somebody d) flying or floating e) you usually have dreamless sleep f) your dreams are always pleasant

OVER 60 POINTS : Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant.. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement! you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would! really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. So me people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Today in Jeremiah, chapter 42, the Isrealites made a profound statement yet chose to disobey anyway. They were having a bad day, really bad! It hadn't gone so well in the recent days. Lots of the people they knew were slaughterd. They were really afraid, so off to Jeremiah they went for advice.... again.

Here is what they said: V5 Then they said to Jeremiah, "May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God."So they declare their allegience to the Word of the Lord, whatever it is, yet insist it's wrong. They head into Egypt. Exactly opposite of the word God spoke. (Did they not learn the first time?)

What were they thinking? We're they giving lip service because they knew it was the right thing to say but their heart was already made up? Was fear too strong for obedience. hmmm...

As I think about this attitude they had, wanting to obey at all cost yet running full force into the land of comfort and familiar, I know I am just like them. I am not bringing death to myself physically but I know I bring it spiritually. Obedience is costly. It requires complete submission. Maybe I'm obedient in every area but one. Is that ok? Do I pass the test? No way! God wants every part of me so He can really use me for His purposes. Don't fool yourself. When Jesus speaks to you, listen. Listen real close. You were made for great thing in the Lord. Don't settle for Egypt!

Reality Check:

What are you going to do? Pray, pray that His Spirit will rise up in you and give you courage to obey. As the Word says whether favorable or unfavorable, we will obey our God.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Today is a day I won't ever forget. My husband proposed to me 19 years ago today. He has surprised me more than once on Valentine's Day. Lots of wonderful memories fill my heart. My sweet husband is strong, kind, patient, an amazing listner, counselor, my prayer covering, lover, and best friend.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 is a scripture I treasure that truly describes my husband's life.

11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

I love you Terrell!

Reality Check: What can you do today to bless your soulmate? Why not surprise them this Valentine's Day?

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Ok..my folks have moved 30 + times, maybe more. So, I grew up moving and did my fair share so far in married life too. This is our 6th house, not counting apartment life. I am prayin'..do you hear me, prayin' this is it for a LONG time.

I would watch my parents move (ever so recent: 3 years ago) and wonder why on earth it took them so long to unpack?! Are they ever gonna get through those boxes in the garage. Well, I am officially apologizing here. I have joined the ranks of "Can we just throw it away or shove it somewhere?" I don't think 40 is old. Actually, I'm very young. But I'm here to tell you that moving at 40 is not like moving at 30. I am ready to kick up my feet, drink my coffee, and well, BLOG! I have done nothing today in the house but walk over piles and wonder what happened to the maid. She left unannounced, nowhere to be found. When you find her could someone please send her back here?

WOW! I just got some great news. I was going to focus on the move into the house, which I will but I got some great news and had to shout it out!!!!

I have a friend moving here!!!! I knew CR was coming soon but she just emailed me a date. I can't wait to see her and give her a big hug. She has 5 awesome kids and a husband whom I THINK is like mine so I'm sure I'll love him. We homeschooled in Roseville and met through the support group at church. Until you've moved (this is move number katrillion for me) and so desperately want to have a friend over, you can't explain the joy in a fellow comrade moving to the same town!!!!!! YAH ME!

Ok, onto the move...... We had a great moving committee in Roseville. I'm sad to say no one took pictures of the studly men otherwise you'd see them here. They finished in no time and Terrell was very blessed.

Highlights of Roseville trip: His Side: Trader Joe's run. We have pancake mix and tea tree oil soap for months. Friends: He saw my friends! His too of course but I claim them first. Weather: Gorgeous! Perfect for loading the truck. My Side: I got another week with Joanna and Kadence. I am so thankful I got that time with them. Even though we really wanted a place to call our own, we enjoyed starting off spending tons of time with them. I think God orchestrated that for us.

Monday: Moving day here... Perfect weather until we were done and then SNOW! We had our new neighbor walk over and help unload, our dear friend Brent, Gabe, Terrell and us just a little. We are unpacking like crazy. Joanna came to give us a hand and some well needed advice on room placement. So... a new part of the story begins. ...

Sunday, February 10, 2008

This blog has special meaning to me for Heather was in our living room when she gave her heart to Christ. I can't say we have had to many opportunities to do so. More planting than harvesting. Anyhow, she and a gang of 8 are going to Africa on behalf of Compassion International. Her husband likewise has a blog worth reading. Both blogs are posted here and below. You can keep up with the trip by checking the blog. If you think about it, as the Lord leads, pray for them and their families.

So here's the kids rooms and paint colors. What do you think? It has been great to see the kids paint. Rebecca started at one wall and systematically went all the way around. She's so orderly. The other kids just went for it! We're tackling Gabe's ceiling too. I do like his color. I'll blog more of the finished product. Enjoy!